Syracuse
C DaJuan Coleman Sr: 6
Coleman once
again started, and once again he played the fewest minutes (12) of
any of Syracuse's nine primary rotation players. Last game, DaJuan
was in foul trouble throughout. So, was understandable that he played
so few minutes. However, this game, he committed just one foul.
Coleman gives Syracuse a different look. He is a great area
rebounder, and was tied as the team's leading rebounder this game.
The knock on him will be his length, especially compared to 7'2”
Paschal Chukwu. However, he isn't small at 6'10, and is much more
aggressive on the offensive end. There are occasions (matchups),
where Coleman should play 20-25 minutes.
F Tyler Roberson Sr: 7
Roberson scored
double digits for the second straight game. He finished with 12
points against Holy Cross on 5-7 shooting. Roberson scored in a
variety of ways, including stepping out to take a long jumper.
Roberson looks much improved on the offensive end already. He could
still be more aggressive on that end though. Roberson also had six
rebounds this game. Roberson is seeing less minutes than he was a
year ago. That's partially because of the depth of this year's team,
but it's also because [at least I think] he isn't viewed as good of a
defender in zone as some of their other options.
F Tyler Lydon So 8.5
After
struggling against Colgate, Lydon was everything we expected him to
be prior to the season. Lydon scored 17 points, and did so shooting
6-7 from the floor, including making two of three from 3pt range.
Lydon's success came because Syracuse moved the ball extremely well
on offense. They were a little more direct against Colgate, and that
hurt the sophomore. Lydon also benefitted from Andrew White taking
charge as Syracuse's clear go-to scorer. I have always said, Lydon
is at his best when he is a secondary option on offense, and there is
someone else capable of drawing defenders, and getting him open
looks. Lydon continues to be a great zone defender. He and Chukwu
together in the zone is very effective. Lydon did not have any blocks
this game, but he did finished with six rebounds.
G/F A.White III Sr: 8.5
Andrew White
established as Syracuse's primary option on offense. He started early
in the game, making four 3pt shots in the first half. Overall, he
made five of his ten attempts fro beyond the arc, and finished the
game with 19 points. White could have scored more, but sat most of
the second half, when the game was in hand. White also had three
rebounds, and three assists. White did not score a two-point field
goal, but did show the ability to get to the basket, and draw fouls.
White also looked good on defense at both the wing, and the top of
the zone.
G Frank Howard So: 6.5
Frank Howard
did not look quite as great as he did in the opener. However, he had
a solid game. Howard was an efficient scorer. He had seven points,
shooting 3-5, making one of his two 3pt attempts. Howard is a far
better shooter than he was a year ago. He is 4-5 from beyond the arc
through two games. Howard also continues to prove he is a trustworthy
ball handler. He had three assists this game, and just one turnover.
Howard is also an asset on defense. He is a very good at the top of
the zone. Howard's game may have been quiet, but he did everything
Syracuse needed him to do.
G Tyus Battle Fr: 7.5
Like Lydon,
Battle had a bounce-back game after struggling in the opener. Battle
finished with nine points, all of which came off of 3pt shots. Battle
showed he is more than just a shooter though. He also had four steals
this game, and recorded no turnovers—although, he showed have
been given a turnover on a pass to Chukwu inside (Chukwu took the TO
instead). Battle could be a
special defender. He is very aggressive in the zone, jumping into
passing lanes. Battle had three steals this game, and a block. The
freshman is also the most well equipped player on defense when
Syracuse switches to man, due to his size, strength, and lateral
quickness. Syracuse played extended minutes in man-to-man
down the stretch.
C Paschal Chukwu So: 6.5
Chukwu once
again played the majority of the game. Chukwu did not score, but once
again, how many Syracuse centers
have been threats on offense through the years? Chukwu is
intimidating at the base of the zone. Even when he is not blocking
shots, and he had three blocks, he is altering them. Chukwu also had
five rebounds this game, while playing 22 minutes.
G John Gillon Sr: 9
Gillon
continues to be a spark plug off the bench. He is splitting the
minutes at the point guard position nearly 50-50 with Howard. Gillon
gives the team a completely different feel than his sophomore
counterpart. Gillon charges at defenses, and speeds up the pace of
play. It is certainly effective. The senior finished the game with 15
points on 6-8 shooting. He also had nine assists and just one
turnover, which is incredible. You could argue that, based on his
production, Gillon should be receiving the lion's share of minutes at
point guard. However, Gillon and Howard provide such different looks
for the team, and both are effective in their own way.
F Taurean Thompson Fr 7.5
Taurean
Thompson had a great game off the bench. He scored 10 points on 5-7
shooting, and is not afraid to pull the trigger on his mid range
jumper, though he has yet to show consistency making it. It's still a
question if Thompson will be a fixture in the rotation come
conference play, since Boeheim does not tend to play very many
players in key games. But, if he continues to play as well as he has,
he could force his way into a permanent role this season. It seems
Boeheim trusts him on defense already, based on when Thompson plays.
Team Overview: 7.60
Syracuse
pummeled Holy Cross. The zone was on point, allowing Holy Cross to
shoot just 30.9% overall, and 28.1% from 3pt range. Newbies Chukwu
and Battle especially, look like exceptional defenders. The offense
was also running at high efficiency. Syracuse shot 57.9% from the
floor, and an incredible 52% from beyond the arc. Many thought
Syracuse could struggle from outside after losing Cooney, Gbinije,
and Richardson. Those fears were misguided as White, Battle, and
Gillon take their place, oh and Lydon is still around, and Howard is
a much improved shooter. White looks like a legitimate go-to scorer
on offense, and that will allow Lydon to get open looks. The biggest
question surrounding Syracuse to start the season was at point guard,
but both Howard and Gillon are answering. It's just Holy Cross, but
beating anyone by 44 is impressive.
Player Ratings thru two games:
Coleman: 6.3
Roberson: 7.3
Lydon: 7.0
White: 8.3
Howard: 7.8
Battle: 5.3
Chukwu: 5.8
Gillon: 8.5
Thompson: 6.8
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